Malami Stole More Than ₦270bn Is Just a Fraction”

Abdulrasheed Maina, former chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, has alleged that assets so far linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, represent only a small portion of funds he claims were misappropriated during Malami’s tenure.

Maina made the allegation in Abuja while receiving the Rule of Law and Courage Award presented by the Garki Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). He said investigators had merely “scratched the surface” of the alleged financial trail and urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to trace and recover additional assets.

According to him, the value of properties and funds currently under investigation falls far short of the total amount allegedly diverted.

“Malami allegedly stole a lot of funds. What the government has seen so far is not even one quarter,” Maina was quoted as saying.

He questioned the emphasis on figures already in the public domain, insisting that significantly larger sums could still be recovered.

“There is more than what has been seen. What is ₦270 billion? The government can recover these funds. Yes, the government is doing the right thing,” he added.

Praises Current Administration, Criticises Past Government

Maina commended the current administration for what he described as a stronger commitment to accountability, transparency, and due process, drawing a contrast with the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

He argued that ongoing investigations should be pursued thoroughly to ensure full recovery of allegedly misappropriated public funds.

Alleged Abu Dhabi Encounter

The former pension reform official also recounted what he described as an encounter in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where he claimed that top government officials travelled to persuade him to return to Nigeria.

Maina alleged that the delegation included former President Buhari; former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun; former National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno; and Malami himself.

According to him, he declined the request and later alleged that attempts were made to influence him through his mother.

Maina further claimed that the interest in his return was linked to assertions that former President Goodluck Jonathan had informed Buhari’s team about his alleged role in the recovery of ₦1.63 trillion during Jonathan’s administration — a claim he said could be verified by former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

“They begged me, and I refused to come to Nigeria,” Maina said, adding that Jonathan had allegedly drawn attention to funds and properties recovered during his time in office.

Malami on Trial

Abubakar Malami is currently standing trial alongside his wife and son over allegations bordering on money laundering.

The former Attorney-General was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and was subsequently remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja after being granted bail.